Court Life in China: The Capital, Its Officials and People

"Court Life in China: The Capital, Its Officials and People" by Isaac Taylor Headland, gives a window into the rarely seen world of the Chinese imperial court in the early 1900s, centering on the formidable Empress Dowager and the people around her. This historical look into China aims to reveal secret lives within the Forbidden City, exploring the changes happening in a powerful nation. The book starts by introducing Empress Dowager Tze Hsi An, painting a picture of her strong control over China. It explains she came from a simple family, highlighting the customs of choosing young girls for the Emperor's household. The story, through accounts from Headland's wife, who was a doctor for the royals, shows the Empress Dowager’s rise from a regular concubine to China's most influential leader, marking her ambition and intelligence during dramatic court events. Her first steps in the palace show the reader how she turned into a lady of incredible royal power and architectural majesty.